Archdiocesan data breach leads to identity theft, false tax returns

A data breach of the Archdiocese of Portland’s computer systems has led to the filing of fraudulent tax returns, according to local media reports.

“A number of employees and volunteers of the Archdiocese of Portland, parishes, and schools have been victims of tax-identity fraud,” the Oregon archdiocese noted in a brief statement.

“There’s one common denominator for victims,” KGW-TV reported. “Many submitted information for Church background checks. The information was required as part of the Church’s effort to address its sex abuse scandal.”

The FBI is investigating a similar breach in the Archdiocese of Seattle.

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